(Connect — Building Emotional Safety)

The Whole-Brain Child — Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
Explains how children’s brains develop and how connection helps regulate emotions.

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk — Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
A classic parenting resource offering practical language tools that strengthen communication and trust.

Raising Good Humans — Hunter Clarke-Fields
A mindfulness-based approach to parenting that helps adults stay calm and present during difficult moments.

Effortless Empathy-3 Simple Steps That Transform Your Child From the Inside Out - Kari Carr

A research-backed guide that helps parents turn everyday moments into lasting emotional growth through three simple, practical steps.

(coming soon)

(Extend — Growing Awareness)

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? — Carol McCloud
A simple metaphor that helps children understand how their actions affect others.

Last Stop on Market Street — Matt de la Peña
A moving story about gratitude, perspective, and noticing kindness in everyday life.

Each Kindness — Jacqueline Woodson
A powerful story that encourages children to think about how their choices affect others.

(Reflect — Building Emotional Insight)

The Rabbit Listened — Cori Doerrfeld
A beautiful reminder that listening and presence can help people process difficult emotions.

The Color Monster — Anna Llenas
Helps young children recognize and name their emotions.

Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods That Make My Day — Jamie Lee Curtis
A playful introduction to the wide range of emotions children experience.

Curiosity about nature often becomes the first step toward empathy for living things.

Over and Under the Pond — Kate Messner
Explores ecosystems and encourages children to notice the interconnectedness of nature.

The Hike — Alison Farrell
A celebration of friendship, curiosity, and the discoveries children make outdoors.

I Love You to the Moon and Back — Kari Carr
A lyrical story that helps children explore the meaning of love through nature, imagination, and shared moments.

Guess How Much I Love You — Sam McBratney
A wonderful book for bedtime reading, this story captures the deep and tender bond between parent and child.

I Wish You Happiness — Michael Wong
This timeless, award-winning classic is filled with inspirational wishes to empower children to be the best they can be and beautifully enchanting illustrations by an award-winning artist.

New books that support empathy, connection, and emotional growth continue to be published every year and will be added to this list.

If you have any suggestions for books you especially found helpful, please let me know so I can add them to this growing resource.